Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland strongly supports the United Nations and the vital role it plays in the multilateral system.  The role of the Secretary-General is crucial to the effective functioning of the UN and, in this respect, Ireland strongly backs the leadership of Mr. António Guterres and the reforms which he is overseeing. 

I have met bilaterally in the past with Secretary-General Guterres, and I very much hope to do so again in the future. The General Debate, which will be held at UNHQ in September, should provide an opportunity for the Irish delegation to meet with Mr. Guterres, and we will be seeking to meet with him at that point.

Given the priority that Ireland attaches to the UN, I believe it is important to meet with senior officials from across the Organisation whenever possible, both to hear from them on their areas of work and to convey Ireland’s perspective on issues of significance to us.  In this regard, I held bilateral meetings earlier this year at the UN in Geneva with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi.